Local Letters for Global Change: A Pulitzer Center Writing Contest

Kriti, a member of Delhi’s LGBTQ community, poses for a portrait. In many cases, Western notions of sexuality and gender don’t translate seamlessly to India, and Kriti was one for whom Western labels seemed ill-fitting. Image by Jake Naughton and Aarti Singh. India, 2017.

Announcing the Pulitzer Center Letter-Writing Contest!

Make your voice heard this election season by writing a letter to a member of Congress that explains the global issue you want them to prioritize. Make your case using Pulitzer Center reporting.

The Pulitzer Center wants to read and share your letters: tell us, and the world, what's most important to you. Read on for contest details. DEADLINE: Friday, November 16th at 11:59PM EST.

Prizes:

1st place:

$100 to throw a class party celebrating global community engagement (payment distributed to your class teacher)

A personal video message from a journalist who reported on the issue you select

A profile of you written by a professional journalist [optional]

Publication of your letter on the Pulitzer Center website

2nd & 3rd place:

A personal video message from a journalist who reported on the issue you select

A profile of you written by a professional journalist [optional]

Publication of your letter on the Pulitzer Center website

Finalists:

Publication of your letter on the Pulitzer Center website

Eligibility:

Any current K-12 student in the United States or abroad may submit. Students outside the United States should address a local equivalent to their member of Congress.

Deadline:

Friday, November 16, 2018 11:59 PM EST

Submission Guidelines:

1. Go to www.pulitzercenter.org/reporting and choose a news story about an issue affecting another part of the world. When choosing your news story, consider: How is this issue relevant to your local community? Why should you and your neighbors care about it? [See below for some suggested stories to get you started]

2. Write a one-page letter to one of the member of Congress for your state that includes the following:

I. Short summary of an issue affecting another part of the world, citing a Pulitzer Center news story.II. Explanation of why this issue is important to you and your community.III. Suggestion of what action you would like your Congressperson to take on this issue.